Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its bright and zesty flavor makes it a delightful choice for spring celebrations, birthday parties, or simply when you crave something sweet and refreshing. This cake features soft, tender layers that melt in your mouth, complemented by a creamy and tangy lemon frosting. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience that will brighten your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and extracts creates a vibrant taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the mix of buttermilk and oil, each slice remains incredibly moist, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a casual afternoon treat, this cake fits perfectly into any setting.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up this showstopper!
• Impressive Presentation: Garnished with lemon slices, the cake looks stunning on any table, making it a great centerpiece.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking process smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing the Lemon Velvet Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps you achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for efficient ingredient mixing and organization during preparation.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

This sunny lemon velvet cake is pure citrus bliss! The tender cake layers and luscious lemon cream cheese frosting make for the ultimate taste of springtime.

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 2 large eggs
• 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon extract
• 1 heaping tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar
• 1/3 cup hot lemon water (2 tbsp lemon juice mixed with 1/3 cup hot water)
• 4-6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon extract
• 1 1/2 heaping tsp lemon zest
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tsp lemon juice (if needed)
• 4-5 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

How to Make Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
2 large eggs
1–2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon extract
1 heaping tsp lemon zest

Continue mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients with:
1 cup buttermilk
into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 5: Add Vinegar Mixture

Mix together:
1/2 tsp white vinegar
and
1/3 cup hot lemon water

Stir this mixture into your batter along with yellow food coloring if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about:
25–30 minutes

Check until centers are just set.

Step 7: Cool Cakes Properly

After baking, let cakes cool in pans for about:
10 minutes

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
16 oz softened cream cheese
and
8 tbsp softened unsalted butter

Continue mixing until fluffy. Add:
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
and
1½ tsp lemon extract

Mix in:
4–5 cups powdered sugar

Adjust with up to:
2 tsp lemon juice if needed.

Finish by incorporating:
Add yellow food coloring if desired.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, frost each layer of your cake generously with the creamy frosting. If you wish, garnish with fresh lemon slices for added charm. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving lemon velvet cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is a delightful experience. This cake is not only beautiful but also bursting with citrus flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

Casual Gatherings

• Slice and Share: Cut the cake into generous slices and serve on simple plates for an easy, casual dessert.
• Cake Stand Presentation: Elevate your serving style by placing the cake on a decorative cake stand, allowing guests to admire its layers.

Special Occasions

• Garnished with Lemon Slices: Add fresh lemon slices or curls on top of the frosted cake for a vibrant touch.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Pair slices of cake with a side of strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and added freshness.

Afternoon Tea

• Mini Cake Slices: Offer small, bite-sized pieces alongside tea to create an elegant afternoon snack.
• Accompany with Herbal Tea: Serve with chamomile or mint tea to complement the lemon flavors beautifully.

Celebratory Events

• Layered Cake Display: If making multiple layers, stack them high for an impressive centerpiece at celebrations.
• Personalized Decorations: Customize each slice with edible decorations or themed toppings to match your event.

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How to Perfect Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your lemon velvet cake shines, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps achieve a smoother batter and a fluffier texture in your cake.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off to avoid dense cake from excess flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and airy; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add a splash of lemon juice or milk until desired spreadability is achieved.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; bring back to room temperature before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your lemon velvet cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement its bright flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple helps balance sweetness.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing treat enhances the citrus flavor and adds a cool contrast to the rich frosting.
3. Minted Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with mint and honey for a creamy yet tangy side that matches well.
4. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies offer a delightful texture contrast while adding another layer of flavor.
5. Pistachio Muffins: Lightly sweetened muffins provide nuttiness that pairs nicely alongside lemony desserts.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A savory salad featuring herbs and lemon vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and airy one.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make the cake dry.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting may melt and ruin your presentation.
• Using cold butter in frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing. Cold ingredients will result in lumpy frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Yes! You can substitute lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile while keeping the recipe similar.

How do I make my cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or using whole milk instead of buttermilk can contribute to a moister texture in your cake.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour while following the same instructions.

How long does it take to bake?

The baking time is typically between 25-30 minutes at 325°F, but keep an eye on your cakes as ovens may vary.

Can I enhance the flavor of the frosting?

Definitely! Add more lemon zest or juice to intensify the lemon flavor in your cream cheese frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Velvet Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for spring celebrations or any occasion, you can customize it by adding berries or other citrus flavors. Give this delightful recipe a try!